Firefighters union boss 'had his phone hacked'

Firefighters union leader Andy Gilchrist had his phone hacked in the build-up to a national strike, the Old Bailey heard today.

He was later the victim of a “kiss and tell” story about an extra-marital affair published in the Sun under editor Rebekah Brooks, the jury was told. The “fire girl” in the affair, Tracey Holland, sold her story to the tabloid stating that the fling had taken place four years earlier in 1998, the court heard.

Police later found a note bearing Mr Gilchrist’s and his wife’s name and address and his mobile number at the home of private investigator Glenn Mulcaire.

It was dated December 4, 2002 and in the corner of the note was the name Greg. The court has heard that Mulcaire and News of the World news editor Greg Miskiw have pleaded guilty to phone hacking.

Brooks and other defendants deny charges of conspiracy to intercept voicemail, conspiring to commit misconduct in public office and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.